Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Whitney Portal snow camp TR/pics - 12/19/10

I am sure that there is a lesson to be learned from all of this. I can tell from these posts that these guys have finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel----and it was out.

I wouldn't jump to any conclusions - this little saga isn't over yet. Still plenty of opportunity for future entertainment.

And, hopefully everybody is posting in a humorous tone, rather than condensending or insulting.

S*** Happens, even to the best of us...

I'm just glad it's not me.

We thought about this as well but I think hidden rocks could ruin the whole machine.

Dude, if you don't have anything constructive to add, why don't you just keep your comments to yourself... If you sit in your couch all day, nothing will happen indeed.

You're right of course.

Found out that snow blowers have shear pins inside the power train to the spinning blades designed to snap off. Common for chunks of ice to fall off cars in peoples driveways then along comes a snowblower tries to eat one..clunk!!! If you had spares and a wrench to quickly change them out..?

Rock danger might only be in that first curve up from the road closed signs? If you recall where the rocks were driving up? An ice axe or pole could probe ahead of the blower?

I saw this Bobcat vid with a snow blower attachment! It looks perfect for your app. Eats compact snow!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaQmNBxb-sM&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHzzlnSPXwI&NR=1

Dude - that thing is awesome. Anyone have a hookup for a Bobcat rental on the eastside?

Depending on how slammed it gets tomorrow, I'm driving my Jeep up Thurs to try to plow/winch/pull the Suby out.

Millers Towing , Lone Pine CA -$225 hour.

link to some spectacular tows and final prices -yikes!!!
He does have a Thiokal tracked snow cat.

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/consumer/163_0508_monster_towing/index.html

Okay, feeling some major inferiority after seeing a pic of the 10wd wrecker with a 22,000lbs winch.

Thanks for all the great suggestions!! I will look into some of those.

SJ, how much clearance does the Jeep have?

Probably ~13" to the axles, i'm running 33's on it.

Sweet! That's pretty significant. Let's get that sucker out!

Best of luck Luciano and SJ on the retrieval!

Lots of youtube of jeeps climbing snow
covered roads. Some good prep on the reality.

called 'snow wheelin'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdAP847Sx8A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT8_Dl5L_JQ&feature=related

Metal snow shovels & garden hoes just in case?

Yeah, tried it last year in mid-Feb on the same road and was only able to get about .25 mi past the first turn. All compact snow and ice. Worth a try anyway, plus i can go romp the Jeep around in the flatlands.

Thanks mate! If we do go up, we'll definitely bring other equipment (shovels, etc.) as well.

Ok, so here's how I'd do this:

First, get a quote from Millers Towing as to an estimated amount to free the car. They may have done this before and have a pretty good idea of what it's going to take. You could even run your idea about towing it out with a Jeep by them and then let them tell you why it will or won't work.

Second, if the amount is too much consider leaving the car where it is. If you DO have a second car then there may not be an imperative need to get this one out and you could potentially save thousands of dollars. As the battery will be dead by the time you can get it out, simply coast it down the road to the bottom where you will have a new battery waiting.

Third, as the car is sitting there all winter, consider renting it out as a kind of hospitality hut, or hardshell bivy, where intrepid Whitney Portal travelers can find shelter from the storms they are sure to encounter on their way to the Portal. A simple tip jar left in the car may be all you need to actually turn this situation around from a money losing proposition to an actual net gain!

All joking aside, this IS an interesting situation. Best of luck resolving it to your satisfaction!!

That car after today's storm will be there until Easter man...

I've got a little more clearance than that... I'm running 37" and may be in the area this coming weekend. However, it looks like the snow is really coming down at the moment and your vehicle may be buried till spring. I'm really sorry I doubt I can help you...plus I don't have any chains, doubt I could lift them!

Mark you're a genius!

Good idea - always best to get as much information as possible in advance.

There's the possibility that the Jeep will get stuck during the rescue attempt. Would be prudent to know whether Millers would be available on the day in question to tow either one or both of them out.